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Southern Province

Galle District

Dutch fort walls meet turquoise water.

A UNESCO-listed rampart town, palm-fringed beaches, coral snorkelling, and mangrove river safaris — all inside an hour of each other. Galle district is the south coast's most complete introduction to Sri Lanka.

Colonial heritageBeach & reefBoutique stays

Main tourist attractions

What to see in Galle

5 destinations — with things to do, best time to visit, insider tips, exact map location, and vetted service providers.

Galle Fort

Cultural · Southern Province

Galle Fort

Founded by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, Galle Fort is a living UNESCO-listed town within thick sea walls. Cobbled lanes hide boutique hotels, gem merchants, art galleries, and cafés inside old warehouses. At sunset, locals gather along the ramparts near the lighthouse to watch cricket and the Indian Ocean turn gold.

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Things to do here

  1. 1Sunset walk along the sea-facing ramparts
  2. 2Guided colonial-history walking tour of the fort
  3. 3Browse boutique galleries, jewellery, and handloom shops
  4. 4Visit the Maritime Museum and Dutch Reformed Church
  5. 5Watch cricket on Galle International Stadium from the walls
  6. 6Day trip to Jungle Beach for snorkelling and swimming

Best time to visit

November to April

Insider tip

Walk the ramparts at golden hour — boutique cafés line the inner lanes.

Exact location

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Service providers near Galle Fort

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Unawatuna Beach

Beach · Southern Province

Unawatuna Beach

A sheltered horseshoe bay of soft yellow sand and calm turquoise water, Unawatuna is the south coast's most family-friendly beach. Reefs at either end tame the surf, making it a safe swimming and snorkelling spot, while beachfront restaurants serve fresh crab curry as fishing boats bob just offshore. Galle Fort is a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away.

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Things to do here

  1. 1Swim and snorkel over the reef with green turtles
  2. 2Sunset walk to Jungle Beach and the Peace Pagoda
  3. 3Beginner scuba diving on inshore reefs
  4. 4Stand-up paddleboarding across the bay
  5. 5Fresh crab-curry dinner at a beachfront shack
  6. 615-minute tuk-tuk ride to Galle Fort at golden hour

Best time to visit

November to April

Insider tip

Snorkel the reef at the eastern end for turtles — calmest water in the morning.

Exact location

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Service providers near Unawatuna Beach

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Hikkaduwa Beach

Beach · Southern Province

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa is the classic Sri Lankan beach town — golden sand, reef breaks, beach bars, and a lively coral sanctuary just offshore. The protected Coral Sanctuary is home to parrotfish, angelfish, and hawksbill turtles, while the main beach buzzes with restaurants, surf shops, and nightlife. It's one of the island's longest-established resort areas.

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Things to do here

  1. 1Snorkel the Coral Sanctuary with a glass-bottom boat
  2. 2Surf the reef and beach breaks
  3. 3Turtle spotting while snorkelling near the sanctuary
  4. 4Beachfront seafood BBQ at sunset
  5. 5Night out along the Hikkaduwa beach strip
  6. 6Visit a nearby turtle hatchery and release centre

Best time to visit

November to April

Insider tip

Snorkel Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary in the morning before the afternoon wind picks up.

Exact location

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Service providers near Hikkaduwa Beach

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Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Wildlife · Southern Province

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Kosgoda is home to several small turtle hatcheries that protect sea-turtle eggs from predators and poachers. After collected nests hatch in protected sand pits, baby turtles are released at dusk — a magical moment for visitors and a vital boost for local conservation. The hatcheries also care for injured adult turtles rescued from fishing nets.

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Things to do here

  1. 1Watch baby turtles released at sunset
  2. 2Learn about the five sea-turtle species in Sri Lankan waters
  3. 3See rescued adult turtles being rehabilitated
  4. 4Adopt a nest or sponsor a hatchling release
  5. 5Combine with a Bentota river or beach day trip
  6. 6Photograph hatchlings before their journey to the ocean

Best time to visit

Year-round; releases most evenings

Insider tip

Visit in the evening to watch hatchlings being released into the sea at sunset.

Exact location

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Service providers near Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

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Madu River Boat Safari

Adventure · Southern Province

Madu River Boat Safari

The Madu Ganga is a Ramsar-listed wetland estuary near Balapitiya, where narrow channels wind through mangrove islands, cinnamon estates, and traditional fishing hamlets. A covered boat safari glides past bird-filled mangroves, fish therapy pools, and tiny islets with historic temples. It's a peaceful counterpoint to the nearby surf beaches.

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Things to do here

  1. 1Covered boat safari through mangrove channels
  2. 2Spot kingfishers, herons, and water monitors
  3. 3Stop at a fish therapy pool on a bamboo platform
  4. 4Visit a cinnamon peeling island and tasting
  5. 5See the Kothduwa temple on its river islet
  6. 6Combine with a nearby turtle hatchery visit

Best time to visit

Year-round; morning is calmest

Insider tip

Take a quiet morning boat to spot water monitors, kingfishers, and mangrove crabs.

Exact location

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Service providers near Madu River Boat Safari

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